How to Read Guitar Tab Numbers

Guitar tabs can seem like a foreign language to beginners. Those lines and numbers hold the key to playing your favorite riffs and solos, but where do you start? Learning to read these tabs is a skill that opens up a world of music, especially for those diving into metal genres where precision and speed are paramount. Let's break down how to make sense of those guitar tab numbers and translate them into your own musical prowess.

Guitar Tab Basics

First things first: what exactly are guitar tabs? In simple terms, a guitar tab is a way of notating music that shows you where to place your fingers on the fretboard. Unlike traditional sheet music, which requires understanding of musical notation, tabs are more direct and accessible, especially for guitarists. They're made up of six horizontal lines that represent the strings of the guitar.

• The top line represents the high E string (the thinnest string).
• The bottom line is the low E string (the thickest string).

Now, the numbers. Each number on the lines tells you which fret to press. For example, a "3" on the top line means you should press the third fret on the high E string. It might seem straightforward, but there's nuance that goes beyond just reading numbers.

Reading Tab Numbers

Let's get into the specifics. When you see a number on a tab, it signifies:

• Which fret to play: The number corresponds to the fret number on the string shown by the line.
• Which string to pluck: The horizontal line indicates the string you should play.

For example, if you see "5" on the second line from the top, that's the B string's fifth fret. You press down the string at that fret and pluck it. Simple enough, right?

The beauty of tabs is that they can also show techniques like bends, slides, and hammer-ons. These are often shown with symbols or additional numbers, which we'll get into later.

Chords and Tabs

Chords in tabs are shown by stacking numbers vertically. Each number still represents a fret on a specific string, but when they're aligned vertically, you play them simultaneously. Let's say you see this:

e|-0-
B|-1-
G|-0-
D|-2-
A|-3-
E|---

This is a C major chord. You play all the strings indicated with your fingers on the corresponding frets. Tabs make it easy to visualize how a chord is formed without needing to interpret traditional chord diagrams.

Understanding Special Notations

Guitar tabs often include special notations to indicate techniques that add flavor to your playing. Here are some common ones:

• b: Bend the note up to the pitch of the next fret.
• r: Release a bend back to the original pitch.
• /: Slide up to the note.
• \: Slide down to the note.
• h: Hammer-on to the next note.
• p: Pull-off to the previous note.

These notations transform your playing from mere notes into expressive music. For example, a hammer-on (h) lets you play notes in a fluid, legato style, which is great for fast metal riffs.

Timing and Rhythm

One limitation of tabs is they don't inherently show timing or rhythm. You might know which notes to play, but not how long to play them. For this, listening to the song is crucial. Paying attention to the rhythm and tempo will help you match the timing of the original performance.

Some tabs include rhythmic notation above the lines, like slashes or symbols, to indicate beats, but these are less common. It's often useful to have a metronome or drum track to practice along with, ensuring your timing is spot on. At Riffhard, we offer a custom metronome tool that helps you practice at your desired tempo—a feature that's invaluable for mastering those complex metal rhythms.

Making Sense of Metal Tabs

Metal guitarists often face tabs that are dense with notes and techniques. Riffs can be fast, rhythmic, and involve both intricate picking and fretting hand work. Breaking down a metal tab involves looking for patterns, repeated phrases, and the techniques used.

Consider a thrash metal riff. It might include a sequence of power chords interspersed with palm-muted chugs. The tab will show these, but it's up to you to interpret the aggression and precision required to bring it to life. Listening to the song closely helps, as does slowing down the tempo until you get it right—something our Riffhard interactive player can help with, allowing you to slow down lessons without changing the pitch.

Learning Through Practice

As with any skill, practice makes perfect. Start with simpler tabs and gradually work your way up to more complex pieces. Focus on accuracy before speed—sloppy playing can become a bad habit that's hard to break. Use tabs to learn songs you enjoy, which keeps practice engaging and fun.

Don't be afraid to experiment with your own riffs and ideas using tabs. Write out your own music, even if it's just simple lines. This process reinforces your understanding of fretboard positions and rhythm, turning tab reading into a creative tool rather than just a learning mechanism.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When learning to read tabs, beginners often make a few common mistakes:

• Ignoring technique: Tabs show what to play, but not how to play it. Pay attention to the nuances of your playing style.
• Not listening: Tabs don't convey timing or dynamics. Use your ears to fill in these gaps.
• Rushing: Fast playing is impressive, but accuracy is key. Build speed gradually.

By being mindful of these pitfalls, you'll become a more well-rounded guitarist. Remember, every guitarist, even the greats, started somewhere. With patience and dedication, you'll find yourself improving steadily.

Using Tabs with Other Learning Resources

While tabs are a fantastic way to learn songs quickly, they work best when combined with other resources. Consider these:

• Video lessons: Seeing and hearing a song played can provide insights into technique and timing. At Riffhard, our extensive library of lessons from top metal guitarists can help you pick up new tricks and refine your skills.
• Backing tracks: Playing along with a band can enhance your sense of timing and dynamics.
• Guitar Pro: This software allows you to view tabs with audio playback, giving you a clearer understanding of how the music should sound.

By leveraging these tools, you'll enrich your learning experience and get the most out of your practice sessions.

Advanced Tab Techniques

Once you're comfortable with basic tab reading, you can explore more advanced techniques. These might include:

• Alternate tunings: Many metal songs use drop tunings or other alternate tunings. Tabs will usually indicate the tuning at the start, so pay attention to this detail.
• Complex rhythms: Progressive metal often features odd time signatures. Understanding these requires both practice and a good sense of rhythm.
• Extended range techniques: If you're using a 7-string or 8-string guitar, tabs will include additional lines for these strings, adding depth to your playing.

These advanced concepts might seem daunting at first, but they're a natural progression as you become more proficient. Embracing them will enhance your versatility as a guitarist.

Final Thoughts

Reading guitar tab numbers is an essential skill for any guitarist, especially those venturing into the world of metal. By understanding the basics and practicing regularly, you'll be well on your way to mastering the riffs and solos you love. Remember, at Riffhard, we're here to support you with lessons from some of the world's best metal guitarists, helping you hone your technique and achieve your musical goals. So grab your guitar, dive into those tabs, and let your metal journey begin!